Patentable/Patents/US-12204014
US-12204014

Electronic device and method for performing ranging through UWB communication

Published
January 21, 2025
Technical Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for performing ranging through a UWB communication including receiving state information of each of moving nodes occupying channels provided by anchor nodes in a UWB communication area to perform ranging on the anchor nodes, setting priorities of the moving nodes based on the state information, and recovering one of the channels occupied by the moving nodes based on each of the priority.

Patent Claims
18 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method of operating an electronic device to perform ranging through Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) communication, the method comprising: receiving state information of each of moving nodes occupying channels provided by anchor nodes in a UWB communication area to perform ranging on the anchor nodes; setting priorities of the moving nodes based on the state information; and recovering one of the channels occupied by the moving nodes based on each of the priorities.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) communication systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficient channel management in environments with moving nodes performing ranging operations. In UWB networks, anchor nodes provide channels for ranging, but moving nodes can occupy these channels, leading to interference and reduced accuracy. The invention describes a method to optimize channel usage by dynamically managing the priorities of moving nodes based on their state information. State information may include factors such as node mobility, signal strength, or channel occupancy duration. By analyzing this data, the system assigns priorities to each moving node, allowing for intelligent recovery of occupied channels. Higher-priority nodes are given preference, while lower-priority nodes may be temporarily displaced to free up channels for critical operations. This approach ensures that ranging operations remain accurate and reliable, even in dynamic environments with multiple moving nodes. The method improves overall system efficiency by minimizing channel conflicts and optimizing resource allocation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the setting of the priorities comprises: identifying, by the anchor nodes, a moving node on which ranging has never been performed from among the moving nodes occupying the channels as a first moving node; and setting a priority of the first moving node to be lower than priorities of other moving nodes.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to managing channel access priorities for moving nodes in a network. The problem addressed is ensuring efficient and fair channel utilization when multiple moving nodes compete for access, particularly when some nodes have not yet been ranged (i.e., their distance and timing have not been established). The method involves anchor nodes (fixed reference points in the network) dynamically adjusting priorities for moving nodes based on their ranging status. The anchor nodes identify a moving node that has never undergone ranging and designate it as a "first moving node." This node is then assigned a lower priority compared to other moving nodes that have already been ranged. By deprioritizing unranged nodes, the system ensures that nodes with established communication parameters (distance, timing synchronization) are given preference, reducing interference and improving overall network efficiency. This approach helps maintain stable communication links while gradually integrating new nodes into the network. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where nodes frequently enter and exit the network, such as in vehicular or mobile ad-hoc networks.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the setting of the priorities comprises: identifying a moving node on which ranging is performed by the anchor nodes from among the moving nodes occupying the channels as a second moving node; and setting a priority of the second moving node to be higher than priorities of other moving nodes.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing channel access and ranging operations in networks with moving nodes and anchor nodes. The problem addressed is efficient channel utilization and accurate ranging in dynamic environments where multiple moving nodes share communication channels, potentially causing interference or delays in ranging operations. The method involves prioritizing channel access for a specific moving node involved in ranging operations. First, a moving node undergoing ranging by anchor nodes is identified among the nodes occupying the channels. This node is designated as a second moving node. The priority of this second moving node is then adjusted to be higher than that of other moving nodes, ensuring it receives preferential access to the channel. This prioritization helps minimize interference and improves the accuracy and reliability of ranging operations by reducing contention for channel resources during critical measurement phases. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where precise positioning or timing synchronization is required, such as in vehicular networks, drone communications, or industrial automation systems. By dynamically adjusting priorities based on ongoing ranging activities, the system optimizes channel usage and enhances overall network performance.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the setting of the priorities comprises: calculating a number of ranging anchors that is the number of anchor nodes performing ranging on the second moving node; and setting a priority between the second moving nodes based on the number of ranging anchors.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing node priorities in a network where nodes perform ranging operations to determine their positions. The problem addressed is efficiently prioritizing moving nodes in a network to optimize resource allocation and reduce interference, particularly when multiple nodes are performing ranging operations simultaneously. The method involves calculating a priority for a moving node based on the number of anchor nodes performing ranging operations on it. An anchor node is a fixed reference point in the network that helps determine the position of moving nodes. The priority is set by first determining how many anchor nodes are actively ranging on a particular moving node. Nodes with a higher number of ranging anchors are given higher priority, as they are more critical for accurate positioning. This ensures that nodes with more ranging operations are processed first, improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the network's positioning system. The method helps prevent congestion and ensures that nodes with more dependencies are prioritized, leading to better resource management and reduced latency in position determination.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the setting of the priorities between the second moving nodes comprises setting a priority of a moving node having a larger number of the ranging anchors to be higher than a priority of a moving node having a smaller number of the ranging anchors.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing priorities among moving nodes in a wireless network, particularly in scenarios where nodes rely on ranging anchors for positioning or synchronization. The problem addressed is ensuring efficient and reliable communication by prioritizing nodes based on their connectivity to ranging anchors, which are fixed reference points used for distance measurements. The method involves assigning priorities to moving nodes based on the number of ranging anchors they are connected to. A moving node with a higher number of connected ranging anchors is given a higher priority compared to a node with fewer connections. This prioritization helps optimize network performance by ensuring that nodes with more stable or reliable positioning data are processed first, reducing errors in positioning or synchronization tasks. The system dynamically adjusts priorities as nodes move and their connections to ranging anchors change, maintaining accurate and efficient network operations. This approach is particularly useful in applications like autonomous vehicle navigation, drone coordination, or industrial robotics, where precise positioning and real-time communication are critical.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the setting of the priorities comprises: identifying moving nodes other than the first and second moving nodes among the moving nodes occupying the channels as third moving nodes; calculating a number of expired anchors, which is the number of anchor nodes where ranging has stopped because ranging is not performed for a time period while ranging is performed on the third moving node; and setting a priority between the third moving nodes based on the number of expired anchors.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing priorities among moving nodes in a network where nodes perform ranging operations to determine their positions. The problem addressed is efficiently prioritizing nodes to optimize network performance, particularly when multiple nodes share communication channels and ranging operations may fail or expire over time. The method involves identifying additional moving nodes, referred to as third moving nodes, that are occupying communication channels alongside a first and second moving node. For each of these third moving nodes, the system calculates the number of expired anchors—anchor nodes where ranging operations have stopped due to inactivity for a specified time period. The priority among these third moving nodes is then adjusted based on the count of expired anchors, ensuring that nodes with fewer expired anchors are prioritized higher. This approach helps maintain accurate positioning data by favoring nodes with more reliable ranging connections, improving overall network efficiency and reducing positioning errors. The method dynamically adapts to changing network conditions, ensuring optimal use of available channels and resources.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the setting of the priority between the third moving nodes comprises setting a priority of the moving node having a larger number of expired anchors to be lower than a priority of the moving node having a smaller number of expired anchors.

Plain English Translation

In the field of wireless network management, particularly in mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs), maintaining efficient routing and connectivity is challenging due to the dynamic movement of nodes. A key problem is determining priority among moving nodes to optimize network performance, especially when nodes lose connectivity to reference points called "anchors." When a node's anchors expire, its reliability decreases, potentially disrupting network operations. This invention addresses the problem by dynamically adjusting the priority of moving nodes based on the number of expired anchors they have. Specifically, a node with a higher number of expired anchors is assigned a lower priority compared to a node with fewer expired anchors. This ensures that more reliable nodes (those with fewer expired anchors) are prioritized in routing decisions, improving overall network stability and efficiency. The method involves monitoring anchor status, counting expired anchors for each node, and adjusting priorities accordingly. This approach helps maintain robust connectivity in mobile networks by favoring nodes with stronger or more recent anchor connections, reducing the risk of disruptions caused by unreliable nodes. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where nodes frequently change positions, such as in vehicular or IoT networks.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the recovering comprises recovering a channel being occupied by the moving node set to a lowest priority.

Plain English Translation

A method for managing wireless communication channels in a network with moving nodes addresses the problem of efficiently reallocating channels when nodes move between different regions or cells. The method involves monitoring the movement of nodes and determining when a node transitions from one region to another. When such a transition occurs, the method identifies a channel currently occupied by the moving node set and reallocates that channel to a new priority level. Specifically, the channel is reassigned to the lowest priority level, allowing other nodes or higher-priority traffic to utilize it. This ensures that resources are dynamically adjusted based on node mobility, improving network efficiency and reducing interference. The method may also involve tracking multiple moving nodes and applying the same channel recovery process to each, ensuring that channels are consistently managed across the network. By prioritizing channel recovery for nodes with the lowest priority, the system optimizes resource allocation and maintains stable communication links.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the recovering is performed, in response to a new moving node being detected in the UWB communication area while all of the channels are occupied by the moving nodes.

Plain English Translation

Ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems enable precise positioning and high-speed data transfer but face challenges in managing multiple moving nodes within a shared communication area. When all available channels are occupied by existing nodes, new nodes entering the area cannot establish communication, leading to potential disruptions or inefficiencies. This invention addresses this problem by dynamically recovering channels to accommodate new nodes when all channels are occupied. The method involves detecting a new moving node entering the UWB communication area and, in response, initiating a recovery process to free up at least one channel. This recovery may involve reallocating or terminating existing connections to prioritize the new node, ensuring seamless integration without disrupting ongoing communications. The system monitors channel occupancy and dynamically adjusts resources to maintain optimal performance, particularly in environments with high node mobility. By proactively managing channel allocation, the invention enhances reliability and scalability in UWB networks, making it suitable for applications requiring precise positioning and robust connectivity, such as industrial automation, asset tracking, and real-time location systems.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. An electronic device that performs ranging through Ultra Wide Band (UWB) communication, the electronic device comprising: a communication circuit configured to communicate with anchor nodes provided in a UWB communication area; and a processor configured to: receive state information of each of moving nodes occupying channels provided by the anchor nodes to perform ranging on the anchor nodes through the communication circuit, set a priorities of the moving nodes based on the state information, and recover one of the channels occupied by the moving nodes based on each of the priorities.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to Ultra Wide Band (UWB) communication systems, specifically addressing challenges in ranging and channel management in dynamic environments with moving nodes. In UWB networks, anchor nodes provide channels for ranging, but moving nodes can occupy these channels, causing interference and reducing accuracy. The invention describes an electronic device that mitigates this issue by intelligently managing channel access. The device includes a communication circuit for interfacing with anchor nodes and a processor that receives state information from moving nodes, such as their location, movement patterns, or signal strength. The processor assigns priorities to these nodes based on the state information, determining which nodes are most critical for ranging operations. Using these priorities, the device recovers occupied channels by either reallocating them or temporarily suspending lower-priority nodes to free up channels for higher-priority ranging tasks. This ensures reliable ranging while minimizing disruptions to ongoing communications. The system improves UWB ranging accuracy in environments with dynamic node movement by dynamically adjusting channel access based on real-time conditions. This approach is particularly useful in applications like indoor positioning, asset tracking, or autonomous navigation where precise distance measurements are critical.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to identify a moving node on which ranging has never been performed from among the moving nodes occupying the channels as a first moving node, and to set a priority of the first moving node to be lower than priorities of other moving nodes.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically managing interference and resource allocation in networks with moving nodes. The problem addressed is efficiently prioritizing communication resources when multiple moving nodes share limited communication channels, ensuring reliable ranging (distance measurement) while minimizing disruptions. The system includes a processor that monitors channels occupied by moving nodes. It identifies a moving node that has never undergone ranging as a "first moving node" and assigns it a lower priority compared to other nodes. This ensures that nodes requiring immediate ranging or established communication are prioritized, while new or less critical nodes receive deferred attention. The processor may also adjust transmission parameters, such as power or timing, to reduce interference and improve ranging accuracy. The invention further involves tracking node movement and dynamically updating priorities based on real-time conditions. By deprioritizing nodes that lack ranging history, the system optimizes channel usage and maintains network stability. This approach is particularly useful in dense or dynamic environments, such as vehicular networks or IoT deployments, where efficient resource allocation is critical. The solution balances fairness and performance by ensuring critical nodes receive priority while preventing resource starvation for new or low-priority nodes.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to identify a moving node on which ranging is performed by the anchor nodes from among the moving nodes occupying the channels as a second moving node, and to set a priority of the second moving node to be higher than priorities of other moving nodes.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing and prioritizing moving nodes in a network where anchor nodes perform ranging operations. The problem addressed is the efficient allocation of communication resources in dynamic environments where multiple moving nodes share limited channel resources, leading to potential interference and degraded performance. The system includes anchor nodes that perform ranging operations to determine the positions or distances of moving nodes within the network. The processor in the electronic device identifies a specific moving node, referred to as a second moving node, which is actively being ranged by the anchor nodes. This second moving node is distinguished from other moving nodes that may be occupying the same communication channels. The processor then assigns a higher priority to this second moving node compared to the other moving nodes, ensuring that its communication needs are prioritized. This prioritization helps mitigate interference and improves the accuracy and reliability of ranging operations by reducing contention for channel resources. The system dynamically adjusts priorities based on the ranging activities of the anchor nodes, optimizing network performance in environments with multiple moving nodes.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to calculate a number of ranging anchors that is the number of anchor nodes performing ranging on the second moving node, and to set a priority between the second moving nodes based on the number of ranging anchors.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing ranging operations in networks with moving nodes. The problem addressed is efficiently prioritizing ranging operations when multiple moving nodes require localization, ensuring accurate positioning while optimizing network resources. The system includes a network with anchor nodes and moving nodes. Anchor nodes are fixed or stationary devices that perform ranging operations to determine the position of moving nodes. The processor in the electronic device calculates the number of anchor nodes actively ranging on each moving node. Based on this count, the system assigns a priority to each moving node, ensuring that nodes with fewer ranging anchors receive higher priority for localization. This prioritization helps balance network load and improves positioning accuracy for nodes that may be less frequently or less reliably tracked. The invention also involves determining the position of a first moving node using signals from anchor nodes and then applying this information to assist in positioning a second moving node. The system may use historical data or predictive algorithms to estimate the second node's position, reducing the need for excessive ranging operations. The processor further adjusts ranging parameters, such as signal transmission intervals, based on the calculated priorities to optimize network efficiency. This approach ensures that critical nodes are localized with higher precision while minimizing unnecessary resource consumption.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to set a priority of moving nodes having a larger number of ranging anchors to be higher than a priority of moving nodes having a smaller number of ranging anchors.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving the accuracy and reliability of node positioning in networks where devices determine their locations using ranging anchors. The problem addressed is the variability in positioning accuracy due to differences in the number of available ranging anchors for different nodes. Nodes with fewer anchors are more prone to positioning errors, which can degrade overall network performance. The invention describes an electronic device with a processor that prioritizes the movement of nodes based on the number of ranging anchors they have. Nodes with a larger number of anchors are assigned a higher priority for movement than those with fewer anchors. This ensures that nodes with more reliable positioning data are moved first, reducing the risk of errors propagating through the network. The processor may also adjust movement priorities dynamically as the number of available anchors changes, maintaining optimal positioning accuracy across the network. This approach improves the robustness of node localization in wireless communication systems, particularly in environments where anchor availability varies.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to identify moving nodes other than the first and second moving nodes among the moving nodes occupying the channels as third moving nodes, to calculate a number of expired anchors that is the number of anchor nodes that are not ranging for a time period while ranging is performed on the third moving node, and to set the priority between the third moving nodes based on the number of expired anchors.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to managing node prioritization in environments with moving nodes and anchor nodes. The problem addressed is efficiently allocating ranging resources in dynamic networks where nodes are mobile, leading to potential disruptions in communication and localization accuracy. The system includes a processor that identifies moving nodes occupying communication channels. Among these, it distinguishes between primary moving nodes (first and second) and additional moving nodes (third). For the third moving nodes, the processor calculates the number of expired anchors—anchor nodes that have not performed ranging operations for a specified time period while ranging is active on the third moving node. The processor then assigns priority to these third moving nodes based on the count of expired anchors, ensuring that nodes with fewer active anchor connections are prioritized for ranging operations. This prioritization helps maintain reliable communication and accurate localization in dynamic environments by dynamically adjusting resource allocation based on anchor node activity. The system optimizes network performance by reducing disruptions caused by node mobility and ensuring timely updates for nodes with degraded anchor connectivity.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to set a priority of moving nodes having a larger number of expired anchors to be lower than a priority of moving nodes having a smaller number of expired anchors.

Plain English Translation

In the field of network management, particularly in systems involving dynamic node movement and anchor-based positioning, a challenge arises in efficiently managing node relocation to maintain accurate positioning. When nodes move frequently, their associated anchors (reference points for positioning) may expire, leading to positioning errors. This invention addresses the problem by prioritizing node movement based on the number of expired anchors each node has. A processor in an electronic device evaluates the number of expired anchors for each node and assigns a lower priority to nodes with a higher number of expired anchors. This ensures that nodes with more positioning inaccuracies are moved first, improving overall system reliability. The processor may also determine the number of expired anchors by comparing current anchor data with stored anchor data, and it may adjust movement priorities dynamically as nodes move and anchors expire. This approach optimizes network performance by reducing positioning errors and ensuring that nodes with the greatest need for repositioning are addressed first. The system can be applied in various networked environments, including wireless sensor networks, IoT devices, and mobile communication systems, where accurate positioning is critical.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to recover the channel being occupied by the moving node set to a lowest priority.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing the challenge of managing channel access in dynamic environments where nodes move between different priority levels. The system includes an electronic device with a processor that monitors a network of nodes, each assigned a priority level for channel access. When a set of nodes (referred to as a moving node set) transitions from a higher priority level to a lowest priority level, the processor automatically recovers the communication channel previously occupied by these nodes. This ensures that the channel is freed up for other nodes, preventing resource contention and improving network efficiency. The processor may also adjust channel assignments dynamically based on priority changes, ensuring fair and efficient use of available bandwidth. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where nodes frequently change priority, such as in industrial IoT or vehicular networks, where real-time communication reliability is critical. By automatically recovering channels from demoted nodes, the system maintains optimal network performance without manual intervention.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to recover one of the channels, in response to a new moving node being detected in the UWB communication area while all of the channels are occupied by the moving nodes.

Plain English Translation

Ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems enable precise ranging and positioning by utilizing multiple channels to support simultaneous communication with multiple moving nodes. A challenge in such systems is managing channel allocation when all available channels are occupied, potentially leading to communication disruptions or delays. To address this, an electronic device includes a processor configured to recover one of the occupied channels when a new moving node is detected in the UWB communication area. The recovery process involves temporarily suspending communication with an existing node on the selected channel, allowing the new node to establish communication. The processor may prioritize channel recovery based on factors such as node mobility, signal strength, or communication urgency. Additionally, the device may include a UWB transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals, an antenna for signal propagation, and a memory for storing node data and communication protocols. The system ensures continuous and efficient communication by dynamically reallocating channels as needed, maintaining reliable connectivity in dense UWB environments.

Classification Codes (CPC)

Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention.

G01S
G01S
G01S
H04B
H04W
H04W
Patent Metadata

Filing Date

August 24, 2022

Publication Date

January 21, 2025

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